It may not be Big Brother, but Centre Wellington plans to adopt a policy regarding video surveillance on municipal properties.
On Dec. 9, councillors reviewed recommendations to establish guidelines and procedures for using a video surveillance camera on any property and/or in any building owned or operated by the township.
The policy has been developed in consultation with the document, Guidelines for Using Video Surveillance Cameras in Public Places, issued by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, 2001, and updated in 2007.
The report to council was done in consultation with managing director of community services Brian Detzler, the township’s Freedom of Information officer Kerri O’Kane, and chief administrative officer Andy Goldie.
Councillor Mary Lloyd asked if there was a need to start erecting surveillance systems in the township and also asked if there was a plan to start installing cameras.
Managing director of corporate services Wes Snarr explained there were no plans to install additional cameras.
The intent was to deal with video cameras which were currently in place – at the Centre Wellington Sportsplex and behind the Fergus library.
Lloyd asked if the township would be adding more cameras … in light of the policy being updated.
Goldie explained this was not an update, but a new policy.
“We wanted to make certain we have a policy in place for the cameras we do have.”
The policy states the intent of video surveillance is to compliment other measures taken to promote public safety, aid in the risk management insurance program and to reduce crime at municipal facilities.
